RESUMO
Sugarcane is one of the most economically important crops in Brazil. The damage caused by Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) results in high costs for its production. Cotesia flavipes Cameron (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is the most efficient means of controlling this pest. The prohibition of burning and the preservation of soil cover through non-tillage practices increased many population densities of natural enemies of the sugarcane borer (SCB) in sugarcane fields. Euborellia annulipes (Lucas) (Dermaptera: Anisolabididae) is a predator found in sugarcane fields and is associated with predation of SCB. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of parasitism of D. saccharalis by C. flavipes on predation by E. annulipes adult females. For this purpose, fourth instar sugarcane borer larvae were exposed to parasitism over a 5-day period or were not parasitized. Subsequently, the prey was supplied to the predator in arenas under choice and no-choice conditions and under different densities to evaluate the feeding preference over a 12-h period and functional response of the predator over a 24-h period. E. annulipes killed 2-3 fourth instar larvae of the sugarcane borer over a 12-h period. SCB parasitism did not affect the feeding preference of the predator and did not alter the type II functional response. However, the handling time of the predator was lower (1.943 h) and there was a higher T/Th ratio on the non-parasitized larvae (12.352). Our findings indicate E. annulipes as a promising biological control agent of D. saccharalis, with a potential to assist in the sugarcane borer management approaches and could to reduce the costs of parasitoid release in the field.
Assuntos
Himenópteros/fisiologia , Mariposas/parasitologia , Controle Biológico de Vetores , Saccharum , Animais , Brasil , Feminino , Larva/parasitologiaRESUMO
PIP: The AIDS Educacao and Prevencao (AIDS Education and Prevention) project in Fortaleza, Brazil, is an attempt to find new approaches to working on sexual health education with vulnerable young people. The project aims to develop a learning system focusing on the mental and physical well-being of youths that is appropriate for their age, context, and needs. The project, which was developed by nursing lecturers and students studying for nursing degrees at the Federal University of Ceara, works with young people between ages 11 and 17. The project reaches young people through its biannual workshops where facilitators learn about the problems encountered by young people regarding sex and sexuality, sexual behavior, condom use, unwanted pregnancies, STDs and HIV/AIDS. Facilitators are not counselors, but work with small groups to promote participation and collective learning. Factual information and case studies are introduced gradually to teach participants ways in which they can protect themselves and help them decide what choices are right for them. However, lessons learned from the workshops are not reinforced because teachers and parents are afraid and ignorant of AIDS. As a result, while it continues to target young people, the project now attempts to involve schools and students' families.^ieng